Luna Moth

	Where do they live?
	Throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada. They are found as far west as Texas and North Dakota, and as far south as central Florida.
	What do they eat?
	The larva (caterpillars) eat the leaves of many trees, including sweetgum, hickory, sumac, walnut, persimmon, and birch. The adult moths do not eat at all (they live only about a week).
	Cool things to know about them
	Mating Females send out pheremones (chemical signals) to attract males. Males use their antennae to locate the females. Mating takes place after midnight, and the female begins laying eggs immediately. She lays her eggs in small groups on the leaves of trees that her young will eat (see "What do they eat?" above). The eggs hatch in about a week. Caterpillars (larval stage) The caterpillars are sedentary (they don't move very much in search of food) and solitary (they do not stay in groups). This is the only stage during which the caterpillar grows in size, up to 3 or 4 inches in length. Cocoon (pupal stage) When the caterpillar has reached its full size, it wraps itself in a leaf and weaves a thin, papery cocoon. Adult moths The adult luna moth is a very strong flier and is attracted to lights. Its wingspan can reach up to 7 inches (usually they are 3 to 5 inches across). During its adult stage, the luna moth has no hearing organs and does not eat at all. The adult's only purpose is mating, and it only lives about a week. They begin to appear in the early spring in the southern U.S. , and up to three broods (generations) appear each year.
	How do humans affect them?
	Loss of habitat "Development" and destruction of habitat is reducing the number of luna moths. The caterpillars will only eat the leaves of certain trees. When people cut down native trees and plant other kinds instead, the luna moths can't find anywhere to lay their eggs.
	What can you do to help?
	Welcome luna moths to your yard Protect forested areas on your property. Plant the kinds of trees that luna moths need for food (sweetgum, hickory, white birch, walnut, persimmon, sumac) . Don't use pesticides or other chemicals on your lawn. Greener grass may look nice, but it destroys life you may not be close to or even able to see. Spread the word Education is the best way to protect our environment and the animals who share it with us. Tell others about these amazing creatures, the problems they face, and ways they can help. People won't get excited about saving animals if they don't even know anything about them. It's important to take action today so that luna moths don't disappear forever.
	Check out these great web sites:
	Chesapeake Bay Project Most of the information on my page came from this site. Kansas State Research & Extension Great pictures of all stages of luna moth development.